I had an opportunity to visit Manitoba, Canada and try to photograph lynx in the wild. Exciting to observe these elusive cats in the wild, even though photo opportunities were limited.
It is almost paralyzing when I return from a trip with so many photographs of a wide variety of species, many of which I had never previously encountered. I am slowly working my way through my images, so come back and check my progress.
In July 2018 I visited Iceland with a group of friends. We photographed a variety of subjects. The weather was not very cooperative but I was able to get a few photos I like.
In May 2018 I visited Peru with 2 friends. We targeted mostly hummingbirds but photographed other species as well. We also visited Machu Picchu while we were there. I normally process all my photos from a trip before posting, but in this case I will be posting as I edit. It is a beautiful country and we visited areas in both the north and south, ranging from areas around 12,000 ft to the Amazon basin.
I spent 10 days at the end of February 2017 in Ecuador with John Gerlach and friends. We mostly targeted hummingbirds, but photographed other beautiful birds as well. A very productive trip with many images to edit.
In 2016 and 2017 I visited the Big Blue Ranch in Burchard, Nebraska to photograph the Greater Prairie Chickens on a lek. Scott and Billie Kay Bodie own a beautiful ranch in Southeast Nebraska and careful manage the tall grass prairie for wildlife as well as cattle grazing. We arrive at the portable ground blinds before sunrise and enjoy watching and photographing the birds until they leave the lek. To add to the experience, the Bodies have a beautiful lodge on the property where groups can stay for a variety of activities they offer. Although photographing the Greater Prairie Chicken was primary purpose of the visit we saw a variety of wildlife and were treated to some amazing sunrises, sunsets, and dark sky opportunities.
After an amazing trip in 2015 with expert bird guide, Florencia Ocampo , I knew I had to return. I returned in November 2016 and was not disappointed. We revisited some locations and visited some new locations on this trip. As, on my first trip, I met some amazing people and had many tremendous experiences. Florencia plans every aspect of the trip and makes it very enjoyable to travel in the country she loves. This time I am going to post photos corresponding to the different parts of the country we visited. Please remember that we saw many more species than I post because not all species cooperate and allow me to get good photos.
If you are a birder, photographer, or just a world traveler, I highly recommend a visit to Uruguay with, in my opinion, the best guide in the country, Florencia Ocampo. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions.
Two friends and I visited a number of locations in Atlantic Canada. The two primary locations we visited were Bonaventure Island, off the coast of Perce, Quebec and Ile aux Perroquets, in Mingan Archipelago National Park, Quebec. We also briefly visited Machias Seal Island and Johnson’s Mills, NB, Canada. We photographed primarily Northern Gannets, Atlantic Puffins, and Razorbills. It was a great trip. I am posting just a few of the many images made on this trip.
In late March-early April I traveled to Nebraska to photograph Sandhill Cranes along the Platte River and Greater Prairie Chickens in the southeastern part of the state.
In February I made my first visit to Norway. I spent time on Senja and in the Lofoten Islands. The weather was not as cooperative as I would have liked, but it was a great trip with 2 good friends.
I had the great pleasure of traveling to Uruguay and be guided by one of the best birding guides in the country, Florencia Ocampo. Although much smaller than it's large neighbors, Brazil and Argentina, the country is safe, easy to navigate, and has a variety of habitats, home to over 450 species of birds. We saw over 200 species, click above to see some of my photos. In addition to all the different species of birds, I learned so much of Uruguay's culture and enjoyed delicious traditional foods, thanks to a guide who loves her country and her culture. If you are a birder, a photographer, or would just like a cultural tour, contact Birding With Me. I am sure you will be as impressed as I was. As time permits I will include a gallery of other animals we encountered as well as a gallery of the country and it's people.
For years I have been feeding the birds around my house, only occasionally trying for some photos. This spring I decided to be more deliberate in my attempt to photograph the birds around my house. In most cases I sit in a small popup blind and it is interesting to watch the birds and their interactions even if I am not successful getting the shot I want.
Although I have some of my longer photo trips in categories below, this category includes some shorter trips. It helps answer the question I get all the time, "What have you been doing lately?"
In June, 2014 I spent 2 weeks in Nome, Alaska. The purpose was to photograph Musk Ox and a variety of birds in the area. I visited with a friend and for about half of the time and then we joined Matthew Studebaker, who knows the area and its birds very well. A great trip in spite of a good deal of less than ideal weather.
Barrow, Alaska is the northernmost city in the United States. It is north of the Arctic circle and only accessible by air, surrounded by tundra the only roads in the area are unpaved. The attraction for photographers is the presence of birds not commonly found in other areas. Although not a great diversity of species, there are some attractive species not easy to photograph elsewhere. I joined a small group of photographers led by Matthew Studebaker for a week in June, 2014. Barrow is one of the cloudiest places on earth because of the mostly easterly winds off the Arctic Ocean. It is completely overcast about 50% of the year and at least 70% overcast 62% of the time. These conditions make photography difficult but with an experienced leader like Matthew Studebaker you can take the best advantage of the good weather when you get it.
A collection of galleries of birds from around the world. Other galleries of bird photos can be found in other parent categories.
In November I visited areas of the high desert of Arizona and Utah with a small group of photographers. Most of the areas I hadn't visited in the past and it was a wonderful trip with great people. I will be posting sections of the trip as I process the images.
In September I visited Namibia for the 4th time in the last 5 years. Why back to Namibia? The country is a wonderful travel destination with good infrastructure, different experiences everytime, and most importantly warm and friendly people. I also enjoy returning with old friends and introducing new friends to this amazing country. The itinerary of this trip closely paralleled that of my first trip with some additions and new experiences in the familiar locations. Rather than waiting until all images are processed, I will be posting as I complete sections of my trip.
In June, 2013 I visited the Lac Lejeune Resort near Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada to photograph loons and other birds.
I was able to spend an amazing 5.5 weeks in New Zealand in Oct. - Nov. 2012, during their spring. An amazing visit with wonderful hosts and an excellent photographer friend living in NZ. I am slowly working through images and will be posting many over the next few weeks. Come back often as I add new groups to this category.
The bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, the national bird of the United States is a majestic bird. Most easily recognized as an adult with its all white head, white tail, and large yellow bill. First year eagles are all dark with just a little white on underwings and the base of the tail. As they approach adult coloration they more white. I have had the opportunity to photograph relatively large numbers of eagles in Alaska and most recently on the Mississippi River.
In late summer 2012 I joined a small photography group led by Charles Glatzer to Katmai National Park to photograph Brown Bears. We visited the famous Brooks Falls and also spent time in a remote lodge on the Alagnak River. We timed our visit to coincide with the annual salmon run.
The Palouse is an area of south east Washington and north central Idaho. It is a major agricultural region, with rolling hills, old barns, and a variety of photographic subjects. These photos were captured in Whitman County around Colfax, Washington during the last week of May, 2012.
Bosque del Apache NWR is located about 9 miles south of Socorro, New Mexico. The refuge is over 57,000 acres straddling the Rio Grande. In late fall and winter, the refuge hosts the annual migration of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese. Photographers and bird watchers are drawn to this spectacle due to the concentration of wildlife and the amazing scenery and sunrises/sunsets. This was my first trip but will not be my last to this wonderful photo destination.
After a great trip to Bosque del Apache I spent a few days in early December photographing birds in Arizona.
Part of the time was spent with expert professional Nature Photographer, E. J. Peiker (http://www.ejphoto.com/).
Images from a 12 day trip in February, 2011. I accompanied leader Martin Bailey and a wonderful group of photographers from various parts of the world on this outstanding visit to an amazing country with great wildlife and a warm, caring, and considerate people. If you would like to photograph the wildlife of Japan and enjoy a wonderful cultural experience I highly recommend a visit with Martin Bailey, www.martinbaileyphotography.com.
An amazing country in southwest Africa, Namibia is a spectacular destination with a rich history and beautiful landscapes, people, and wildlife. I recently returned from my third trip in three years and expect to return. I have also visited neighboring South Africa and Botswana. Watch for additional galleries as I continue to edit the thousands of photos created on these trips.
View photos from some of my short, recent travels. Old Car City, Mississippi River, Minnesota Captive Animals, Yellowstone National Park, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Churchill Manitoba, Canada.
I have been working with SOUTH magazine for a couple of years and I will be adding some of my favorite photos from my assignments.
Browse All Photos slide show
© William J. Pohley